Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Mahakai/Pancheswor project

November 30, 2009

Mr Saughagya ShahTribhuvan University

Dear Saubhagyajee

Good to hear from you.

Due to BBC’s time constraint, many important things I said wasn’t broadcast. One question I asked of Mr Lacoul was if the principle of “equality” (not even equity) is enshrined in Mahakali treaty – he kept on emphasizing it – then how can 3.5% and 96.5% be equal. Similarly, my question on how can 93,000 hectares and 1.6 million (he actually said it is 2.4 million) hectare – to be irrigated upon completion of Pancheshwar project – be equal didn’t get broadcast and his failure to answer these questions too.

Heard your persuasive facts and arguments on BBC yesterday on Mahakai/Pancheswor project. I fail see why people are so enthusiastic about a project that will give most of the benefits to India. As you mentioned so eloquently, the principle of sovereignty or even equality in the sharing of benefits seems to have been thrown out of consideration.

Two mainstream vernacular dailies (Gorkhapatra yesterday and Nagarik on Friday) have reported that ADB is pulling out of West Seti project. We in Nepal would appreciate it if you could confirm the news.